Reports earlier this week had suggested a £16million deal had been agreed for German World Cup star Hummels, but Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp quickly stepped in and denied the rumours, insisting he was not for sale.

De Vrij, on the other hand, is well known to Van Gaal from their time together with the Netherlands squad and could be the perfect fit for the Old Trafford side.

The Dutch boss has been told he can break the world record transfer fee for a player he feels it necessary, which suggests he still has a transfer budget of well over £100m to spend.